We Thought Our Mother Abandoned Us—Until I Heard My Adoptive Mom Say, “Everything Went According to Plan”

stealing years from children.”

Clara covered her face.

For a long moment, the only sound was her crying.

Then she went to the hallway closet and returned with another folder. Adoption documents. Old photos. Medical records. Things that belonged to our beginning.

“I kept them,” she said. “I don’t know why.”